Unmasking the Effect of Analgesics on Endodontic Diagnosis Using a Novel Bite Force Sensor Device: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial
Introduction: A definitive diagnosis is of primary importance before initiating any endodontic treatment; yet, there are occasions when the dental professional is unable to accurately reproduce the patient's chief complaint, as it can pose a dilemma and may require consideration of multiple...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited
2016-10-01
|
| Series: | Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/8640/21116_CE(EK)_F(AK)_PF1(NEAK)_PFA(AK)_PF2(AGAK).pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction: A definitive diagnosis is of primary importance
before initiating any endodontic treatment; yet, there are
occasions when the dental professional is unable to accurately
reproduce the patient's chief complaint, as it can pose a
dilemma and may require consideration of multiple variables
in order to reach an accurate diagnosis. So to overcome this
problem, a methodical approach in providing endodontic
treatment should be implemented which includes diagnosis,
definitive dental treatment and adjunctive drug therapy, known
as the “3D” strategy.
Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible
"masking" effect of these analgesics on endodontic diagnosis
using a novel bite force sensor device.
Materials and Methods: A total of 90 patients with endodontic
pain were selected and they were given either a placebo or 400
mg ibuprofen (brufen) or 50mg diclofenac sodium (voveron).
Both patients and operators were completely blinded to the
drugs administered. Bite force tolerance values were noted
before and one hour after administration of medication using
the self designed bite force sensor.
Results: The pre- and post-bite force tolerance values were
tabulated for both contralateral and affected tooth. For the
affected tooth, there was statistically significant difference
between pre- and post-bite force tolerance values in Group I
(i.e., ibuprofen) and Group II (i.e., diclofenac sodium) (p<0.05)
with no significant difference observed in Group III (placebo).
Conclusion: The easily available over the counter self
administered analgesics in addition to providing symptomatic
relief to patients suffering from symptomatic apical periodontitis
may also cloud the definitive diagnosis of the clinician, thus
jeopardising the treatment plan. The self designed bite force
sensor was effective in arriving at a definitive diagnosis in
teeth with chronic irreversible pulpitis with symptomatic apical
periodontitis, where the allodynia has been camouflaged by the
use of analgesics like ibuprofen and diclofenac sodium. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2249-782X 0973-709X |